Experimental Investigation on European Welded Connections

Abstract

In this paper the results of a test program devoted to the assessment of the cyclic behavior of beam-to-column welded connections are presented. The specimens are representative of the common European practice, which differs from both U.S. and Japan practice, due to the size of the connected members and to the welding technique and details. Three specimen groups, characterized by different values of the relative column-beam-panel zone strengths, are designed and tested under different loading histories. In particular six tests (five cyclic and one monotonic) have been carried out on each group of specimens, encompassing a total of 18 tests. The tests have evidenced the effect of column-to-beam strength ratio and of panel zone design on the cyclic behavior and failure modes of the connections. Furthermore the dependence of the absorbed energy and cumulative plastic rotation of the joint upon the applied loading history is shown. Finally design implications are suggested on the basis of the test results.